THE BIX 7 WANTS YOU FOR A PATRIOTIC 40th ANNIVERSARY; AIMING FOR FIELD OF 20,000

USA 7 Mile Championship; Free Active Military Entries; Veterans Hospice Charity Highlight Event

BETTENDORF, IA - The 40th Anniversary of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 will be a patriotic celebration with the return of the USA Seven Mile Championships, free active duty military registrations and a program to assist veterans in hospice care as organizers aim for a field of 20,000. Race officials made the announcements in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

Participants return to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

For the fourth time (2002, 2009, 2010) the Bix 7 will host the USA Seven Mile Championships - part of the USA Running Circuit (www.runnerspace.com/USARunningCircuit).The yearly program is a development effort for athletes in training on road courses as they work toward opportunities to represent the country at World and Olympic competition through USA Track & Field.

Also, the Bix 7 will offer free entry to any active duty military. A printed application will be required which has a line to list the active military identification number. The entrant will also be required to present their military identification at packet pick up to confirm status.

Every paid entrant will be able to assist military veterans by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. Led by the Veterans Administration and hospice care providers, the national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

As the country's best compete while saluting those who serve and sacrifice for our country, race director Ed Froehlich knows the Bix 7 is ready for a memorable 40th anniversary event.

"We're pleased to again host the USA Seven Mile Championships," said Froehlich, entering his 35th year guiding the race. "More importantly, the recognition of our service men and women that have and continue to make it possible for us to celebrate traditions like the Bix 7 since 1975 is one that our sponsors, volunteers and participants are thrilled to be involved with."

RICK McGRATH LEADS 2014 QUAD-CITY TIMES BIX 7 MILITARY SALUTE

13-year Committee Chair Joins Four Others as Assistant Race Directors

BETTENDORF, IA - Rick McGrath, a committee chair for 13 years with the Quad-City Times Bix 7, has been named as a new Assistant Race Director for the event by Race Director Ed Froehlich. Officials made the announcement in a media event at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.

The 40th Bix 7 returns to Davenport on Saturday, July 26th, 2014. Registrations are being mailed in addition to availability at locations throughout the Quad City Area. Online entry is open at www.bix7.com with a valid Visa or MasterCard except for active duty military which will require a printed application for listing the active military identification number which will also be needed for packet pick up.

Advance entries are only handled through the website, via mailed printed applications or those brought to the Quad-City Times building, 500 E. Third Street, Davenport. You can stay connected with news and training tips at www.facebook.com - Search Quad-City Times Bix 7 or www.twitter.com/@BixSeven.

McGrath will head up the military initiatives for the event highlighted by free registration for active duty military. He joins Dan Breidinger, Ron Egger, Michelle Juehring and Paul Schmidt as Assistant Race Directors.

Along with his wife Laurie, the couple has coordinated musical entertainment on the course for race day. They will continue in that role. McGrath has a long relationship as a participant (35 years) and is excited to be serving the Bix 7 in this new effort.

"I have run the Bix which goes back to my days as a cross country athlete at Black Hawk College," said McGrath, a lifelong resident of the area. "I was friends with Nancy Kapheim who recruited me to the committee.

"We have several friends in the reserves," McGrath added. "However, my stepson joined the Navy to work toward his goal of medical school. So, with that first hand experience now I'm looking forward to this new opportunity to build a relationship with active duty personnel and the race."

Every paid entrant can join the patriotic excitement by adding a $2.00 contribution on the application to Genesis Health System Hospice's local chapter of the We Honor Veterans Program. The national effort honors veterans nearing the end of life by celebrating their military service (www.genesishealth.com/services/home-health/hospice/we-honor-veterans/).

These activities complement the Premier Buick & GMC Dealers High School Challenge, the Quad City Bank & Trust Battle Up Brady, Alcoa Jr. Bix 7, Swiss Valley Farms Quick Bix, VictoryStore.com Gregg Newell and Eloise Caldwell awards for top local male and female area finishers, Rhythm City Casino Race for the Jackpot and Scott County Regional Authority All City Challenge.

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WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, today welcomed three news members to the caucus:  Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

"There's a tremendous need to shape helpful public policy for foster youth," Grassley said.  "The more senators interested in the cause, the better the results we can produce for the kids who seek stable families and good education leading to successful adulthood."

The full members of the caucus are:  co-chairs, Grassley and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.); members, Sens. James Risch (R-Idaho), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mark Begich (D-Ala.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

Grassley formed the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth with Landrieu in 2009.  The caucus provides a voice for foster youth in shaping the policies that affect their quality of life.  The caucus has a special focus on older youth who need continued support as they age out of the system.  Among other activities, it sponsors a speakers' series to bring the best ideas from the field to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

Grassley formed the caucus after working on major adoption and foster care policy, including the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008.

Now On Exhibit:

CSI the Experience

Coming Soon:

New Putnam Science Center opening April 12, 2014.

Oskaloosa, Iowa - In June of 2013, alerts were published regarding the increase in the tick population in Southern Iowa, and the associated increase of Lyme Disease.  Now, more dogs are starting to show symptoms of Lyme Disease. This year, the threat still lingers and prevention is imperative for your animals in 2014.

Lyme Disease is transmitted through tick bites, so any dog with tick exposure is at risk for contracting Lyme Disease.  The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, decreased appetite and enlarged lymph nodes.  It can take up to 5 months after tick exposure to see visible signs of Lyme Disease.  Left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause chronic issues with arthritis and lameness.

"In 2013, our veterinary clinics in Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa saw a significant increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease being diagnosed in the dogs we care for. It is easily preventable and affordable, so I encourage responsible pet owners to consider vaccinating their dogs this year" Lisa Gronewold D.V.M said in response to the outbreak.

The best way to prevent your dog from getting Lyme Disease, or any tick borne disease, is to use a tick preventative.  There are many options available that include both topical or oral formulations.

In an effort to protect high risk dogs from being infected with Lyme Disease, one should vaccinate their dogs.  High risk dogs include any outdoor dog, hunting dog, or dog that spends time going on walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities, especially activities that take place in tall uncut grass or wooded areas.  Contact your veterinarian about whether your dog is at high risk of tick exposure, to make the decision about whether your dog is a good candidate for Lyme vaccination.  Vaccinating for Lyme Disease includes two vaccinations about one month apart the first year and then once per year on following years.

One way to screen your dog for exposure to Lyme Disease is to run a blood test called a 4dx Heartworm Snap Test.  This test checks for Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease and two other tick borne diseases called Ehrilichiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Did you know?

- Adult ticks can live up to 3 years without a blood meal

- Ticks live on 3 different animals during their life

- Most ticks spend most of their life in the environment and OFF the host animal

- Ticks don't jump and don't "fall from trees" as most people think, but transfer onto hosts when animals or humans walk through long grass, bushes and brush.

Predictions of Lyme disease cases are especially high again this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) annual forecast. With the heightened risk of contracting Lyme disease, it is imperative that you protect your pets this summer.

It is important to frequently check your pet for ticks. If you find a tick on your animal, remove the tick as quickly as you can. After you administer a topical flea and tick treatment, don't bathe your dog immediately. Wait at least two or three days. If your animal is bitten, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease which include fever, lameness, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, depression and anorexia. While Lyme disease can not be transmitted from dogs to humans, a high prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs often may mean a higher incidence of Lyme disease in humans.

If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Our clinics offer walk-in and emergency services and can be reached at: Albia (641.932.3455), Knoxville (641.828.2101), Oskaloosa (641.673.5525) or Ottumwa (641.682.8701). 

"With last year's ticks still alive, and the increase in moisture this winter, the tick and mosquito population is sure to be larger than normal. Due to that, the risk of Lyme and other diseases, such as heartworm disease, are higher. There are many ways to prevent the spread of disease in your animals including topical and oral medications as well as sprays and other treatments for your home and yard. The staff at our four vet clinics would be happy to help you select the right preventative for your pet, budget and lifestyle" owner Matthew C. Garver, D.V.M. said.

About Animal Health Center: Animal Health Center is a full-service veterinary clinic for both small and large animals, which has been serving animals and their people since 2002. The Animal Health Center family of clinics has four clinics in south-central Iowa (Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa). They offer wellness exams, emergency services, vaccinations, general and laser surgery, grooming, boarding, embryo transfer and more. To learn more about these clinics, visit their websites at www.AlbiaVet.com, www.OskyVet.com, www.AnimalClinicSouthside.com or www.Knoxville-Vet.com

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